From the Magazine

Hints of Detente Between NSF and Republicans

Congressional Republicans and the National Science Foundation (NSF) appear to be creeping toward common ground in their yearlong fight over how the agency manages its $7 billion research portfolio. Last week, a key panel endorsed a bill to reauthorize NSF's programs that is markedly less radical than earlier versions, although the scientific community is still unhappy with several provisions. And NSF acting Director Cora Marrett says the agency is taking a much more active role in explaining what it funds, addressing a major concern for many Republican legislators.